Joshua 17:4 – “They went to Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun and the leaders and said, ‘The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our relatives.’ So Joshua gave them an inheritance along with the brothers of their father, according to the Lord’s command.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Joshua 17:4 tells the story of Zelophehad’s daughters—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milkah, and Tirzah—who approached the leaders of Israel, including Eleazar the priest and Joshua, to claim their father’s inheritance. They boldly reminded the leaders that the Lord had commanded Moses to grant them a portion among their relatives, even though inheritance traditionally went to male descendants. Their appeal was based on God’s previous command, and Joshua honored this by giving them land along with the other families of their tribe. This verse emphasizes the importance of following God’s instructions, especially when it comes to ensuring fairness and justice for those who might be overlooked.
Historical Context
The backdrop of this verse is the distribution of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, a key event in Israel’s history as they settled into the land God promised to their ancestors. In the ancient world, inheritance was usually passed through the male line, which often left women without property or security. Zelophehad’s daughters, however, had already won the right to inherit through their earlier appeal to Moses (Numbers 27:1-11). Now, as the land was being distributed, they approached Joshua to ensure that God’s command was carried out. This moment highlights the broader theme of God’s justice prevailing over cultural norms.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse shows that God’s commands are meant to be obeyed and that His laws protect the vulnerable. By giving Zelophehad’s daughters an inheritance, God demonstrated His commitment to justice and equity, making sure that every family had a place in His promises. It also reflects God’s unchanging nature—what He commanded through Moses was faithfully carried out by Joshua. This story is a reminder that God’s word is reliable and that He cares about justice, even in the smallest details of life.
Literary Analysis
Joshua 17:4 is structured as a direct narrative that showcases the boldness of Zelophehad’s daughters in claiming what God had promised them. The verse highlights the orderly process of their request, noting that they approached the highest authorities—Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the tribal leaders. This literary structure reinforces the formal and official nature of their appeal, underscoring the significance of their actions. The inclusion of their names and their approach adds a personal touch, making their story one of perseverance and faith.
Biblical Cross-References
- Numbers 27:1-11 – This passage recounts the initial request of Zelophehad’s daughters to Moses, where God commands that they should receive their father’s inheritance.
- Deuteronomy 1:16-17 – God instructs leaders to judge fairly and not to show partiality, which underlines the importance of justice seen in Joshua 17:4.
- Psalm 82:3-4 – This verse calls for justice for the weak and the fatherless, reflecting God’s heart for the vulnerable, similar to His care for Zelophehad’s daughters.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Joshua 17:4 teaches the importance of standing on God’s promises and seeking justice, even when it means challenging cultural norms. It shows that God honors those who trust in His word and take bold steps of faith. The courage of Zelophehad’s daughters inspires us to advocate for what is right, knowing that God’s justice is greater than any societal barrier. This verse encourages believers to seek God’s will and to stand firm in faith, trusting that He will make a way.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in action. It shows that God does not forget His promises or overlook those who are marginalized. By ensuring that Zelophehad’s daughters received their inheritance, God demonstrated His deep concern for justice and His commitment to care for each of His people. It’s a reminder that God’s love is expressed through His laws and His constant attention to our needs, ensuring that everyone is valued and provided for.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The story of Zelophehad’s daughters connects to Jesus Christ as a reflection of God’s justice and inclusion. Jesus’ ministry was marked by His care for those whom society often neglected—women, the poor, and the marginalized (Luke 8:1-3). Just as Joshua honored God’s command to give these daughters their inheritance, Jesus extends the invitation of His Kingdom to all, breaking down barriers of gender, status, and social expectations (Galatians 3:28). Jesus fulfills the ultimate promise of inheritance, offering eternal life to all who come to Him (Ephesians 1:11).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the boldness of Zelophehad’s daughters inspire you in your own walk of faith?
- What can we learn from their approach to the leaders of Israel about standing up for what is right?
- How does this verse challenge our understanding of fairness and justice in our daily lives?
- In what ways does Jesus’ inclusive ministry reflect the heart of God seen in Joshua 17:4?